{"id":20786,"date":"2026-01-18T01:44:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T01:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/18\/premier-league-match-center-reveals-why-arsenal-were-not-penalized-for-forest-handball\/"},"modified":"2026-01-18T01:44:42","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T01:44:42","slug":"premier-league-match-center-reveals-why-arsenal-were-not-penalized-for-forest-handball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/18\/premier-league-match-center-reveals-why-arsenal-were-not-penalized-for-forest-handball\/","title":{"rendered":"Premier League match center reveals why Arsenal were not penalized for Forest handball"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n
\n
Arsenal thought they would be awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest but their protests fell on deaf ears at the City Ground, despite VAR considering it.<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
January 17, 2026, 19:28<\/span>Updated January 17, 2026 20:57<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Arsenal thought they would be awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest (Image: TNT Sports)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n
The Premier League Match Center has explained why Arsenal were not awarded a penalty against Nottingham Forest. A looping cross into Forest’s penalty area hit the arm of Ola Aina, who appeared to be aiming for a corner kick.<\/p>\n
The leading team had a great chance to extend their lead over the leaders. Manchester City’s away defeat to Manchester United means Arsenal could widen their lead on the Blues to nine points.<\/p>\n
However, Mikel Arteta’s side were not awarded a penalty despite the incident being reviewed by VAR. Immediately after the call, the Premier League match center explained why the spot kick had not been awarded.<\/p>\n
read more: Arsenal fail to punish Man City’s failures in dull draw with Nottingham Forest – 5 talking points<\/span><\/span>read more: Mikel Arteta explains Bukayo Saka’s call-up as Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal line-up is decided<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
“NFOARS – 80′ The referee’s no-penalty call against Arsenal was confirmed by VAR, which deemed that the ball was initially played off Aina’s shoulder and that his arm was also in a natural position.”<\/p>\n
Arsenal were unable to break the deadlock at the City Ground, with Sean Dyche’s side holding out a 0-0 draw. Barring a fiasco from Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, the Gunners were unable to break down the hosts.<\/p>\n
Follow the Arsenal FB page! For the latest Gunners news and details, visit our dedicated Facebook page.<\/p>\n
It’s a disappointing result for Arsenal, but it’s an important point for Forest. The pressure was on for 18th-placed West Ham United after they beat Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic fashion to move within three points of Dyche’s side.<\/p>\n
The fact that Forest are tied at the top of the league means there is still a big gap between them and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. The Reds next play in the Europa League at Braga before traveling to Premier League side Brentford on Sunday.<\/p>\n
\nContent cannot be displayed without consent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Meanwhile, Arsenal are currently aiming for their first league title since 2004, with a seven-point gap over second-placed Aston Villa. However, if Unai Emery’s side beat Everton at home on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm), the gap could be reduced to four points.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
Mats Sells kept Arsenal at bay on Saturday. (Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Speaking on TNT Sport after Saturday’s stalemate in the East Midlands, former Arsenal and Villa defender Martin Keown said: “You could say it was a good day for Aston Villa, but it’s more than just the points Manchester City got.”<\/p>\n
“This is the second time Arsenal have had a chance to extend their lead at the top, but we shouldn’t panic. Forest were fighting for their lives. This was similar to the Forest team we saw last season.”<\/p>\n
“But Arsenal definitely had a chance to win this game.”<\/p>\n
\n
\n
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts<\/p>\n
\n
This article contains affiliate links and we receive a commission from any sales we generate from them. learn more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\u00a349<\/p>\n
\u00a335<\/p>\n
sky<\/p>\n
Get the deal here<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025\/26 season, saving members \u00a3336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.<\/p>\n
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Handball](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36569672.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_image-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"Mats](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36569698.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_Nottingham-Forest-v-Arsenal-Premier-League.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>![\"content](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article33404045.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
<\/div>\n